In a news release issued Friday, Governor Mark Sanford named Loris engineer Neil James to the Horry County School Board, filling a recent vacancy created when a Board member was indicted and suspended.
The term to which Mr. James has been appointed expires in November, 2010. "By most every account we've received, Mr. James has a real knowledge when it comes to the needs and development of students in Horry County," Gov. Sanford said in the release.
"I'd thank him both for his willingness to serve and the passion he brings to what will surely be a challenging and important position. After vetting a number of well respected and certainly well credentialed nominees, and talking with legislative leaders like Representative Thad Viers from the area, we agreed with the Horry School Board's recommendation that Neil has a proven track record of service to the local school system, and that he will indeed bring a positive and unique voice to the Board. We wish him, and his colleagues, well in their continued service to the students of Horry County," Sanford continued.
James, a Loris native and engineer with Santee Cooper, has been actively involved in Horry County schools for a quarter of a century.
He is currently the Chairman of the Loris Area Schools Advisory Board, which works closely with the Horry County School Board.
James also serves on the Board of Directors for both the Loris "Blue Pride" Athletic Booster Club, and the Loris Future Farmers of America Booster Club. His wife Felicia, is a teacher in the Horry County School District.
Governor Mark Sanford suspended Horry County School Board Member Chris Shannon in June.
He's accused of diverting $98,000 from his former employer and putting the money in his own account. In August, the Horry County School Board recommended the governor fill the seat with Neil James.
